Nano Technology
is a knowledge-intensive and “enabling technology” which is
expected to influence a wide range of products and processes with
far-reaching implications for national economy and development.
The Government of India, in May 2007, has approved the launch of a
Mission on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission) with an
allocation of Rs. 1000 crore for 5 years.

The Department of
Science and Technology is the nodal agency for implementing the Nano Mission.
Capacity-building in this upcoming area of research will be of
utmost importance for the Nano Mission so that India emerges as a
global knowledge-hub in this field. For this, research on
fundamental aspects of Nano Science and training of large number
of manpower will receive prime attention. Equally importantly, the
Nano Mission will strive for development of products and processes
for national development, especially in areas of national
relevance like safe drinking water, materials development, sensors
development, drug delivery, etc. For this, it will forge linkages
between educational and research institutions and industry and
promote Public Private Partnerships.

The Nano Mission
has been structured in a fashion so as to achieve synergy between
the national research efforts of various agencies in Nano Science
and Technology and launch new programmes in a concerted fashion.
International collaborative research efforts will also be made
wherever required.